This is the newer spectrum of wireless
frequencies that is used by wireless devices including cordless phones,
headsets, and networking products. Devices that rely on 2.4 GHz technology
typically experience less interference than those that make use of other
frequencies. This technology also supports much higher data transfer rates.

802.11

802.11 is a group of standards created by
the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for Wireless
Local Area Networks (WLANs). The version most common today is 802.11b—also
known as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi). It uses 2.4 GHz wireless signaling and
provides up to 11 Mbps transmission.

900 MHz

This is the frequency band traditionally
used in cordless telephones. It enables signals to penetrate walls and other
physical barriers more easily than the lower frequencies that were used in
earlier cordless phones.

(Automatic Call
Distributor) - A telephone system that manages incoming
calls and distributes them based on caller commands or preferences. An ACD
is a staple of call centers that need to direct calls to specific agent
groups in sales, service, and support capacities.

ADSL

(Asymmetric Digital Subscriber
Line) A version of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), ADSL allocates
greater resources to transmit data from the internet to the user than it
does from the user to the internet. ADSL is most common for consumers, since
they generally use their service to browse the internet and the faster
downstream speeds more closely meet their needs.

Adjunct

Any device added to an existing telephone
extension, such as a Caller ID unit or a headset.

Algorithm

A problem-solving technique. Algorithms
are characterized by a specific formula, finite length, and a clear end
result and termination.

Amplifier

In general, any device that increases the
voltage, current, or power of a signal. In telecom contexts, it refers to
any device placed along a phone line that strengthens a voice signal. Most
telephone headsets include an amplifier that provides both signal boosting
(volume and transmit control) as well as tone control to adjust sound
quality.

Amplifier settings

The brains of any headset system,
the amplifier houses all the controls for your headset. When you first
connect your system, you may need to adjust the amp settings, so your
headset works with your specific phone or phone system. On some systems you
just push a button, and the amp learns your phone, then sets itself
up automatically. Others require simple manual adjustment via small switches
that are usually located on the back, bottom, or side of the amplifier.

Analog

Refers to a continuous, variable sound
wave that is used to transmit signals from one location to another.
Television, radio, and telephones have traditionally used analog signals as
their carrier waves, transmitting signals via modulation in amplitude (AM)
or by modulation in frequency (FM)

Authentication

The process of confirming that an
individual or computer is who or what it claims to be. Authentication of a
person is typically handled by a password in the user log-in process.
Knowledge of a private password is considered sufficient to verify the
identity of the user.

Authentication of a computer is a little more involved. Typical methods
include hashing (a specific numeric code that represents the message or data
being sent and changes if the data is altered in any way); digital
signatures (specific to a computer); and digital certificates issued by a
certificate and registration authority that include public/private key
encryption. A combination of these methods currently provides the best
available security.

Automated Attendant

A "robot receptionist" that answers and
routes incoming calls. This feature is often coupled with voice mail in
order to provide answering and recording capabilities for calls that cannot
be connected.

You'll most often see this term when
reading about noise-canceling microphones that filter out background
noise. It refers to the everyday sounds that are all around you…people
talking, papers shuffling, computer equipment buzzing, and so on. If your
mic transmitted all those sounds along with your voice it would probably be
hard for the person on the other end to hear what you were saying.

Backup files

We recommend making copies of files that
you've stored to a second medium (a CD or an e-mail server, for example) as
a precaution, should the first medium fails. Anyone who has ever lost data
knows it's well worth the time it takes to back up files regularly.

Band

A specific range of frequencies in the
radio frequency (RF) spectrum. In the United States, the FCC regulates bands
to minimize interference. Each band is assigned a range of transmission
frequencies. For example, very high frequency (VHF), which is used for
television and radio (AM and FM) transmission, may exist only on frequencies
ranging from 30 to 300 MHz (Megahertz).

Bandwidth

1) When used in reference to digital
systems, bandwidth describes the amount of data that can be transmitted on a
given path. The standard measurement in the digital transmission context is
a multiple of bits per second. 2) In analog systems, bandwidth refers to the
difference between the highest and lowest frequency state (number of cycles
per second, or Hertz) used on any given signal within a band.

Belt Pack

A cordless headset style comprising 2
mobile components: a cordless pack that transmits and receives radio signals
(transceiver), and a lightweight headset top. The radio pack generally has a
clip that attaches to a belt or pocket, and is also attached by a cord that
runs to the headset top. This headset style contrasts with the all-in-one
cordless headset that has an integrated transceiver in the headset top.

Binary

A numbering scheme that only has 2 unique
values: "0" and "1".

Binaural

A headset style that has 2 speakers—1 for
each ear. Because having both ears covered allows the user to more fully
concentrate on the caller without being distracted, a binaural headset is
especially useful in noisy environments.

Bit

(binary digit) - In digital signals, a
bit represents the smallest piece of information that can be transmitted and
is represented by either a "1" or a "0". A string of eight bits is commonly
called a byte.

Bits per Second

(bps or b/s) - A measure of how many
digital bits ("1" or "0") that may be sent in the space of one second. These
will be seen most commonly in measurements Kbps (kilobits, or thousands of
bits, per second), Mbps (megabits, or millions) or Gbps (gigabits, or
billions).

Blackberry

A Blackberry device
functions as a cellular phone, email solution and web browser.

Blackberry will
sync with Microsoft Outlook and Lotus Domino. You can receive your email
in four different ways. You can open attachments such as Excel, PDF and
Word documents. Emails can be received and replied to instantly. Files can
be saved or forwarded.

There are many
third party applications that have been specifically written that apply to
many industries... Attorneys, Real Estate, Medical, Health Care, Financial
Planners, etc.

Mobile
professionals can easily manage phone calls and quickly send and receive
email, all from the palm of your hand. The Blackberry also provides you
with a wireless extension of your work and personal email accounts
including Outlook, Notes, and POP3/ISP email.

Bluetooth

A short-range radio specification that is
used to network various electronic devices without wires. Bluetooth has been
integrated into notebook computers, headsets, PDAs, and Local Area Networks
(LANs) to enable interoperability, internet access, and resource sharing.

The name Bluetooth is taken
from the 10th century Danish King Harald Blatand - or Harold Bluetooth in
English. During the formative stage of the Trade Association a code name was
needed to name the effort. Over an evening discussing European history and
the future of wireless technology several felt it was appropriate to name
the technology after King Blatand. He had been instrumental in uniting
warring factions in parts of what is now Norway, Sweden and Denmark - just
as the technology is designed to allow collaboration between differing
industries such as the computing, mobile phone and automotive markets. The
code name stuck. In Jelling, Denmark a monument can be found in a church
yard that celebrates both his achievements and those of his father the first
king of Denmark "Gorm the Old". Interestingly this particular stone was lost
for nearly six-hundred years after Harald had a small war with his own son,
Sven Forkbeard, over control of the country. Sven "won" the argument
(exiling his father in the process), and since this runic stone also
glorified Harald, Sven had it buried. Only years later a farmer, curious
about a large mound in his farm, rediscovered the stone.

Boot

The initial loading of a computer's
operating system.

Bridge

A device that connects 2 Local Area
Networks (LANs). Unlike a router, a bridge is used only in a LAN, never on
larger networks. Another difference: a router sends packets to a specified
location, whereas a bridge sends it to all destinations simultaneously.

Broadband

Any form of telecommunication that
carries multiple channels over a single wired or wireless medium can be
considered broadband. The term broadband is commonly used to describe
high-speed access to multiple services, such as cable TV, telephone service,
and data, that are transmitted simultaneously.

Browser

A computer application that enables users
to view and interact with information on the internet.

Bus

In computer technology, a bus refers to a
signal path that is shared by multiple devices or peripherals. Each device
along the path only recognizes signals that are intended for that device,
and effectively ignores any other signals along the path (see Universal
Serial Bus).

Busy indicator or busy light

This accessory makes it very easy for
people to tell when you're on a call-even when you're using the most
discreet headset. It lights up, so they can see at a glance that you're busy
and on the phone. It's a way to prevent interrupting the headset user and
it's helpful for the folks who monitor group phone activity. The indicator
works whenever you're on the phone, with or without a headset.

A twisted-pair wire that has been
categorized to indicate maximum data rate and applications. CAT 1 cable is
typically used for plain old telephone service (POTS) and has a maximum data
transfer rate of under 1 Mbps; whereas CAT 5 cable is used for high-speed
applications and can transmit over 100 Mbps on the twisted-pair cable. While
superficially appearing similar, CAT cables are very different in capacity
and it is important to determine planned use before selecting cabling.

CD-ROM

Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. An optical
disc that is looks just like an audio CD, but serves a different need. It
stores approximately 680 megabytes of computer data. The data is written to
and read from the disk via the light of a laser. Some people also refer to
the computer drive that reads these discs as a CD-ROM.

CDMA

(Code Division
Multiple Access) - A form of multiplexing
that permits simultaneous use of a single channel by a number of users. CDMA
employs digital spread spectrum technology to send the signal in a precise
sequence (code) along multiple channels. The code is varied constantly,
making it difficult to intercept or clone CDMA signals.

CLASS

(Custom Local
Area Signaling Service) -
A service provided by the phone company that sends an electrical signal to a
receiving device when other phone company services (voice mail, for example)
have been activated. The CLASS signal notifies the subscriber that a message
is waiting to be retrieved.

CLEC

(Competitive Local Exchange
Carrier) CLECs compete with Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs)
and provide their own switching and networks, though they usually lease the
lines and capacity from an ILEC. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 made
this competition possible by regulating the prices that ILECs could charge
CLECs for use of the ILEC’s network.

CO

(Central Office)
- The phone company facility where subscribers’ lines are linked to
switching equipment and connected to other subscribers. A CO will handle a
local area, but can connect to a CO in any other locale or to a mobile
phone.

CTI

(Computer Telephony
Integration) - A series of applications and peripherals
that enables the use of a computer for voice communications and call
control. Implemented initially for streamlining call routing and call logs
in call centers, CTI now describes any calls made from a computer, whether
over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or via IP telephony.

Cable Modem

A device that allows users to connect a
PC to a local cable TV line for data transmission. Cable modems provide
high-speed connections at about 1.5 Mbps (megabits per second), comparable
to a Digital Subscriber Line
(DSL) and significantly faster than dial-up modems. This type of service is
often referred to as broadband service.

Call Appearance

Any phone call that is received on a
system-based telephone. Many phone systems allow for multiple call
appearances on a single extension, particularly on receptionist telephones
that allow one or more callers to be put on hold while other calls are
answered.

Call Forwarding

A service provided by the phone company
that forwards a call received on one phone number to an alternate number
that has been designated by the user.

Call Waiting

A service provided by the phone company
that allows a subscriber to answer a second call when already on another
call on the same phone line. The recipient of the call is generally notified
of the second call by a tone provided by the phone company’s Central Office
(CO).

Caller ID

(CID) - A service
provided by the phone company that sends the telephone number, date, time of
the call, and in some cases the name of the calling party to the recipient
of the phone call. Associated services include Caller ID Block, which
prevents the call information from being sent from the caller's Central
Office (CO) and Call Waiting/Caller ID which allows the call recipient to
see the number of a second caller when already on another call.

Carbon Microphone

A microphone common to older telephones.
Carbon microphones require no power source other than line power in order to
operate.

Cascade

1) Successive stages, processes, or
functions that are directly caused by input from a preceding stage, process,
or function. 2) A series of virtually identical interconnected electronic
devices such as small telephone systems or stackable network hubs.

Cell

In wireless telephone applications, a
cell refers to the geographical area within range of the
transmitter/receiver antenna (or cell site) covered by a service provider’s
cell site.

Cell Site

The physical location of the antenna or
wireless telephony transmitter/receiver.

Cellular Telephone

A telephone that connects by wireless
(radio) signal to a cell site. Originally, the terms “cellular” and “cell
phone” referred only to analog service but the term has become a catchall
reference to any mobile telephone.

Central Office Line

(COLine)
- A single analog telephone line sent directly from the phone company.

Centrex

(Central Office Exchange Service) - A
service package offered by the phone company. It gives standard phone users
the ability to access key system or PBX features without having to purchase
an expensive system. In essence, the PBX/key systems are maintained and
operated by the phone company.

Channel

In telecommunications contexts, channel
refers to any path between 2 devices. A channel can be anything from a wire
linking 2 computers in a network to a specific radio frequency in a wireless
application (radio or television, for instance).

Client

In a standard client/server relationship,
the client is the user application that requests information. A common use
of client/server is web browsing. The user’s browser acts as the client and
the computer delivering the requested information is the server.

Clustering

The act of combining several smaller
phone systems in concert to achieve larger-system functions. This method
also minimizes downtime in the event of a system malfunction—only a portion
of the clustered system is affected rather than the entire network.

Conductor

On a registered jack (RJ), the conductors
are the copper pins in the plug of a handset cord and in the telephone jack
that connect the telephone to the wall jack. For example, an RJ-14 jack, the
standard jack for 2-line telephones, has 4 active conductors, 2 per phone
line.

Cookie

A small text message that is placed in
your web browser by the web server for a site that you've visited. The
message is sent back to the server each time your browser requests a page
from that server, so you are identified as a return visitor. This saves you
from having to enter the same information about yourself each time you
visit. It also provides the opportunity for the server to present you with a
customized welcome page and other content.

Cordless Headset

A cordless headset allows you to talk
hands free and cord free. However, a cordless headset does require a
connection between the cordless headset base unit and the telephone.

Cordless Telephone

A telephone that does not require a wired
connection between the base of the phone and the handset (or receiver).
Cordless phones may use digital or analog signals between the base and
receiver of the telephone. Cordless telephones are designed to work directly
from Central Office (CO) lines as opposed to wireless phones, which employ
cell sites for operation.

Cramming

The practice of some telecommunications
service providers of adding services and charges to a customer’s bill
without notifying the customer.

Crosstalk

Crosstalk occurs when an undesired signal
from one channel interferes with the signals of a separate channel. Analog
cordless phones generate crosstalk when they are tuned to adjacent or
identical radio frequencies.

(Direct Inward
Dial) - A feature offered by key and PBX systems that
allows callers to connect directly with PBX users without having to navigate
menus or speak with a receptionist.

DIP Switch

(Dual In-Line
Package Switch) - A small switch usually attached to a
circuit board. This switch is used to activate or deactivate the pathways of
the circuit board at a specific junction.

DND

(Do Not
Disturb) - A user-activated function within some telephone
systems that makes an extension unavailable to receive internal or external
phone calls.

DSL

(Digital Subscriber
Line) - A network service that provides high-speed data
transmission over standard twisted-pair copper wires. DSL service is up to
30 times faster than standard telephone dial-up lines.

DTMF

(Dual Tone
Multi Frequency) - The frequency tone
pairs produced by the dialpad on a touch-tone phone. This signal sends
instructions to the switching device to which it is connected. DTMF has all
but replaced loop disconnect, or pulse, dialing.

Data compression

A technique for storing and transmitting
data in a format that requires less space than usual.

Database

A collection of organized, retrievable
data. The most common types are the relational database and the
hypertext database. A relational database stores information in 3
levels: field (any single referenceable item), record (a collection of
related fields), and file (a collection of related records). The
conventional phone book is an example of a relational database: individual
telephone numbers, names and addresses are fields, a line listing is a
record, and the complete phone book is a file. Relational databases on
computers simplify record retrieval; a user is able to locate a complete
record by searching for any of the fields contained in it.

The hypertext database is used mainly on the internet. Hypertext links allow
you to point and click on selected words on a web page to link to other
locations or pages on the internet. A hypertext database is not organized in
any specific relational format.

Dedicated Line

A phone line maintained for a specific
purpose or function. For instance, a company that performs most of its sales
by faxed orders will often have a phone line dedicated to receiving fax
transmissions.

Demarcation Point

(also Point of Demarcation) - The point
at which the line from the phone company’s Central Office (CO) physically
passes into a building.

Dial-up

A means of establishing an internet
connection through the analog Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
Dial-up connections require the use of a modem to convert the digital signal
from the computer to an analog signal that can be routed by the PSTN.

Dialpad

The numbered keys on the telephone.
Pressing the number on a dialpad sends instructions to the Central Office
(CO) for routing a telephone call.

Digital

1) In telecommunications contexts,
digital refers to the method of storing, retrieving, and transmitting data
in a sequence of discrete symbols, usually binary. 2) In common usage,
digital may refer to a readout that uses numbers rather than scale positions
(i.e., digital display, digital clock, etc.).

Digital Adapter

A device used to convert a digital phone
line to a format compatible with an analog product. Typical uses of a
digital adapter include teleconferencing and data transmission through a
PBX.

Directory

In general, any list that provides access
to retrievable contents. On a telephone, a built-in directory is a saved
phone list accessible through one or a set of function keys. On a computer,
a directory stores retrievable information in an “inverted tree” system.
Directories on PCs are also commonly referred to as folders.

Duplex Adapter

An accessory that connects to a 1- or
2-line jack that splits the signal and allows more than 1 phone to be
connected to the jack. A duplex adapter does not provide an additional
connection to the Central Office (CO), but it does permit connection to a
second device.

DuraFlex™

The proprietary name for the highly
flexible, and durable, headset cords and microphone booms that you'll find
on GN Netcom headsets.

dB

(Decibel) - 1) A logarithmic expression
that provides a relative measure (or ratio) of 2 or more electrical states.
The decibel is used to describe differences in signal power and voltage in
electronics. 2) An absolute measure for the relative intensity of acoustic
sound per unit of area.

(ElectroMagnetic
Interference) - Electromagnetic fields are produced by the
passage of electrical current through a power line or device. As current
passes through, it creates a magnetic field that varies in intensity and
size in proportion to the electrical charge being carried by the conducting
medium. Electromagnetic fields can interfere with the function of
telephones, radios, and other communications devices.

Electret Microphone

The most common microphone for new
telephones. Electret microphones require an external power supply.

Encryption

The alteration of information into a code
or cipher that can be read only by someone who has the decrypting key.
Encryption is intended to make it difficult for people who do not have the
decryption key to intercept and decipher the information. While not 100%
secure, encryption is one of several measures used to provide secure
communications over the internet. Encryption is further enhanced by regular
changes to the encryption/decryption key, a process common for secure
transactions on the web.

Ergonomics

The study and application of
user-friendly equipment design. Ergonomics is intended to maximize
productivity by minimizing repetitive stress factors, discomfort, and
fatigue of equipment users.

Ethernet

Ethernet is the most commonly encountered
Local Area Network (LAN) protocol. Ethernet originally supported data
transfer rates of 10 Mbps, but newer versions, such as Fast Ethernet
(100Base-T or 100 Mbps) and Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T or 1,000 Mbps or 1
Gbps) have increased the capacity of Ethernet in LANs. Ethernet applications
have recently become available to residential and home-business users using
Ethernet-ready gateways.

Extranet

A shared information resource accessible
to both internal and external users over standard internet protocols.
Extranets are generally provided by companies so that customers or partners
may have access to select areas of the company’s internal network, or
intranet.

(Family Radio
Service) - A short-range, 2-way radio service designated
for recreation and other non-business applications. Due to its limited
range, specific frequencies, and intended applications, FRS does not require
FCC licensing, unlike the more powerful GMRS radios do. FRS uses Ultra High
Frequency (UHF) bands between 462 and 469 MHz.

FTP

(File Transfer
Protocol) - A standard internet protocol that enables a
server to transfer files to a requesting client. The most common application
of FTP is the process of downloading programs or other files over the
internet.

Facsimile

(Fax) - Refers to the transmission of
visual or text data relayed over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)
to an output device. Fax machines are usually dedicated devices assigned to
a telephone number specific to its function.

Firewall

A set of related hardware or software
products and programs designed to prevent access to or from a private
network (intranet) by unauthorized users. There are numerous screening
methods, including passwords and higher-level encryption. Most companies
will use a combination of hardware and software solutions.

Flash

Quickly pressing and releasing the
hookswitch to signal the PBX/Central Office (CO) that another signal (Call
Transfer or Call Waiting, for example) is desired. Most modern phones
provide a flash button that performs the same function.

Flash Memory

A type of memory chip that is programmed,
erased, and reprogrammed in memory segments called 'blocks.' Compared to
standard memory, which is reprogrammed byte-by-byte, erasure and
reprogramming in flash blocks takes considerably less time. Flash memory is
popular for products and peripherals that need flexible, reprogrammable
memory, and for products that offer upgrades via the internet.

Follow-me Service

A unified messaging service that will
call programmed phone numbers in succession in an effort to locate the user.
For example, follow-me service may attempt—in sequence—an office phone, then
a cell phone, followed by a home phone, before ultimately sending the call
to a voice mail/paging service.

Frequency

A measure of the number of cycles
completed per unit of time. In radio communications contexts, the common
measure is Hertz, or cycles per second, of a radio wave. If a wave completes
10 cycles per second, it is measured as a wave of 10 Hz. Common multiples
include the Kilohertz (KHz, or 1,000 cycles per second), Megahertz (MHz, or
1,000,000 cycles per second) and Gigahertz (GHz or 1,000,000,000 cycles per
second).

In computer processing contexts, frequency is a measurement of clock speed,
or oscillations per second, that the processor completes. This measurement
uses identical nomenclature as radio transmissions.

Full Duplex

A form of 2-way communication that allows
users to receive and transmit voice signals simultaneously.

(General Mobile
Radio Service) - A long-range, 2-way radio
service designated for recreation and other non-business applications. Due
to the extended range of GMRS, FCC licensing is required. GMRS uses Ultra
High Frequency (UHF) bands between 462 and 469 MHz.

GMS

This is an international standard for
digital cell phone communication. Originated in Europe, the initials
originally stood for Groupe Spéciale Mobile, but now represent
Global System for Mobile Communications. Having such a standard ensures
compatibility, so one can use the same cell phone for travel between
countries. Today more than 105 countries, including the United States and
Japan, have existing or planned GSM networks. These networks account for a
large percentage of the world's cellular market.

GSM

(Global System
for Mobile Communication) - GSM is the most widely used
mobile telecommunications standard in the world. A form of Time Division
Multiple Access (TDMA) multiplexing, GSM is the standard in Europe and Asia.

Gateway

Hardware, software or a combination of
the two that acts as an entry point to a network. Gateway servers are also
commonly used as firewall servers that guard against the entry of
unauthorized users to a private network. In the client/server model, there
is a gateway at the entry to both end points.

Gigabit

(Gb) - 1) In terms of data transfer, one
gigabit per second (Gbps) refers to 1,000,000,000 bits of information
transferred per second. 2) In relation to data storage, one gigabit is
exactly equal to 1,073,741,824 bits of stored data.

Gigahertz

(GHz) - 1) In radio frequency (RF)
transmissions, GHz is used to describe 1,000,000,000 cycles per second, or
Hertz. 2) In computing contexts, GHz describes 1,000,000,000 oscillations
per second of the computer’s processor.

A standard approved by the International
Telecommunications Union (ITU), the H.323 communications standard supports
videoconferencing and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Theoretically,
all devices using the H.323 standard can communicate with each other.

HPNA

(Home Phoneline
Network Alliance) - A standard for the
creation of Local Area Networks (LANs) in residential or home-office
environments. HPNA uses modified Ethernet technology to simultaneously
transmit voice and data applications using a home’s existing copper wiring
and jacks.

HTML

(HyperText
Markup Language) - A set of markup symbols
(or tags) that are used to describe the appearance of a page on the
worldwide web when displayed on a web browser. The current version of HTML
is 4.0, (a.k.a. dynamic HTML). HTML is constantly evolving to increase
flexibility for web presentations. The next version is a marriage of
Extensible Markup Language (XML) and HTML called Extensible Hypertext Markup
Language (XHTML) that will provide greater flexibility for new web
applications.

HTTP

(HyperText
Transfer Protocol) - A set of rules for
sharing files on the worldwide web. The most direct use of HTTP is the
request for a web page by selecting a hypertext link. This HTTP request is
sent to the selected Internet Protocol (IP) address. After it has been
processed and authorized, the HTTP request is sent back to the client with
the requested data.

Half Duplex

A form of 2-way communication that allows
users to receive and communicate by voice, but not at the same time. Half
duplex is common in speakerphones, intercoms, and 2-way radios.

Handset

The handheld part of a telephone that is
used for transmitting and receiving voice signals. Also referred to as a
telephone receiver.

Headset

An alternative device to a telephone
handset. Headsets require a connection to a telephone, usually through the
handset jack (RJ-9) on a corded phone, or via a built-in jack on a cordless
or wireless phone.

Hertz

(Hz) - The measure of the number of
cycles per second of a waveform or system. It is used to 1) measure the
frequency of a radio signal; 2) measure the frequency of sonic waves; or 3)
measure the clock speed of a microprocessor by the number of oscillations
the processor completes per second.

Home Run Wiring

(also Star or Parallel Wiring) - A wiring
topology that connects all phones or network devices directly to a central
hub. Each device has a direct line (or "run") back to the central location
(or "home").

HomeRF

(HomeRadio Frequency)
A standard created specifically for wireless networking in the home. HomeRF
is a competing standard with 802.11b (or Wi-Fi), though the applications do
not necessarily overlap. 802.11 standards were developed with enterprise
networking in mind.

Hookswitch

The mechanism that opens and closes the
phone line to a phone. It is typically located at the top of the phone’s
base (and therefore beneath the phone’s receiver) and is released by the act
of removing the handset from the cradle, hence the term "off-hook."

Host

1) A computer system that provides
service features to other computers. Used in this context, any computer that
acts as a server can be considered a host, whether on the internet or a
Local Area Network (LAN). 2) The provision of a computer to house a web
server for one or several web sites.

Hub

A common connection point for computers
or other devices in a network, usually a Local Area Network (LAN). There are
several different types of hubs, many of which also perform switching and
routing functions.

Hunting Service

seeRollover Service.

Hypertext

A method for organizing and referencing
information by associations and links. The creation of hypertext with its
ability to instantaneously reference additional documents by “pointing and
clicking” on a hypertext link ultimately made the worldwide web a viable
enterprise.

(Incumbent Local Exchange
Carrier) ILECs are telephone companies that were already providing
local telephone service at the time the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was
passed.

IMAP

(Internet Message Access
Protocol) - A standard protocol for retrieving e-mail from a local
server. Unlike Post Office Protocol (POP), IMAP requires a constant
connection to the e-mail server. IMAP does not forward e-mails directly to
your e-mail inbox, as POP does. Instead, it allows you to house all e-mails
on a server and retrieve them as desired.

IP

(Internet Protocol)
- A standard method by which data is sent from one computer to another. Each
host computer on the internet has one or more unique IP addresses used to
distinguish it from any other computer. IP is used to transmit and receive
data from the requested site through a series of gateway computers and
routers that are responsible for locating specific IP addresses. IP is most
often coupled with another protocol, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
which actually assigns the packets of data that IP then routes to a
destination.

IP Telephony

An umbrella term to describe the use of
Internet Protocol (IP) and packet-switching to provide voice, fax, and other
services that once were solely accessible through circuit-switched networks
such as a PBX or the phone company.

ISDN

(Integrated Services Digital
Network) - An international standard for digital transmissions over
standard copper wiring. ISDN is delivered in 2 forms, Basic Rate Interface (BRI)
and Primary Rate Interface (PRI). BRI provides 2 digital lines (called
B-channels) of 64 Kbps each, or 128 Kbps total, for a home or small
business. PRI consists of 23 B-channel lines. Both BRI and PRI include a
smaller D-channel (12 Kbps for BRI, 64 Kbps for PRI) that carries control
and signaling information, but does not increase download speeds. ISDN is
growing less common and has generally been supplanted by Digital Subscriber
Line (DSL) service.

ISP

(Internet Service
Provider) - A service company that provides individual
end-users or enterprises access to the internet and worldwide web.

IVR

A software application that permits
callers to interact with an enterprise telephone system or an automated
information database. An IVR presents callers with verbal options that are
responded to by touch-tone telephone or voice commands. Common applications
are airline booking and flight information lines, banking and other
financial services, and call center phone systems.

IXC

(IntereXchange
Carrier) - IXC is another term used to describe
long-distance carriers such as MCI and AT&T.

In-use light

(See also, busy indicator or busy light.)
This accessory makes it very easy for people to tell when you're on a
call-even when you're using a discreet headset. It lights up, so they can
see at a glance that you're busy. It's a simple way to prevent
interruptions, and it's helpful for the folks who monitor group phone
activity. The indicator works whenever you're on the phone, with or without
a headset.

Internet

The internet is most easily defined as a
worldwide system of computer networks. Internet users obtain information
from computers on various networks or communicate with other users on the
network. The most commonly used segment of the internet is the worldwide
web.

Internet Telephony

A use of the internet to complete voice
communications. Internet telephony allows users to establish voice
communications from their internet connection to a telephone or another
computer user. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is one example of
internet telephony. Microsoft’s Telephone Application Protocol Interface (TAPI)
is another.

Intranet

An internal private network, usually
owned by a business or other organization. Intranets are differentiated from
other private networks by their use of the TCP/IP and hypertext protocols
pioneered by the internet. Like the internet, an intranet is designed as a
means to easily share resources.

i-Mode

A wireless application protocol that is
primarily used in Japan, i-Mode is based on a simplified version of HTML,
permitting web browsing and other web-related functionality on a wireless
device. The main competing standard is Wireless Application Protocol (WAP).

In physical wiring connections, a jack is
the socket that accepts a matching, fitted plug. The jack-and-plug
connection is used in telecommunications and networking applications (seeRegistered Jack), with stereo and electronics equipment, and with
electrical wire connections.

(Key Service
Unit) - The control switch of a business phone system that
provides features such as call transfer, call routing, intercom,
conferencing, and others.

KSU-less Phones

A KSU-less system uses telephones with
built-in electronics for performing features similar to a KSU. A KSU-less
system will require loop or series wiring topology in order to perform its
various features.

KTS

seeKSU.

Kilobit

(Kb) - 1) In terms of data transfer, one
kilobit per second (Kbps) refers to 1,000 bits of information transferred
per second. A 56 Kbps (or, in standard usage, 56 K) modem then, is
theoretically capable of handling up to 56,000 bits of data per second. 2)
In relation to data storage, one kilobit is exactly equal to 1,024 bits of
stored data.

Kilohertz

(KHz) - In radio frequency (RF)
transmissions, KHz (sometimes kHz) is used to describe 1,000 cycles per
second, or 1,000 Hertz.

(Local Area
Network) - An electronic information network supported by a
single resource or server designed to share information with a local group
of users.

LATA

(Local Access
and Transfer Area) - In the United States,
a geographic area covered by one or more local telephone companies.

LCD

(Liquid Crystal
Display) - The display commonly found on digital watches,
calculators, telephones, and laptop computers. Older LCDs provided only
grayscale images, but newer LCDs offer full color and graphics through a new
LCD technology called Active Matrix.

LEC

(Local Exchange
Carrier) - A public telephone company in the United States
that provides local service.

LED

(Light Emitting
Diode) - The small light on electronic devices indicating
current state, such as On or Charging. LEDs are usually of one color and
rarely offer more than three states: On, Off, or Flashing (intermittent On).

Land Line

The term ‘land line’ refers to a standard
telephone connection provided by the local telephone company. Land line has
become a much-used colloquialism ever since the advent and explosive growth
of mobile telephones.

Lanyard

A cord, usually worn around the neck,
commonly used to attach and carry small items such as lightweight headsets
and speaker mics.

Least Cost Routing

A feature offered by some telephone
systems that examines the day, time, and call destination and compares it to
a chart of set long-distance carrier rates. As the name implies, the least
expensive option is chosen.

Li-Ion

(Lithium-Ion)
Battery - A type of rechargeable battery providing roughly twice the
capacity of the more common NiCd battery, but characterized by a shorter
service life than a NiCd or NiMH battery. Li-Ion batteries are the lightest
in weight of all rechargeable batteries.

Lifter

A headset accessory that takes your
phone's handset off-hook, so you have access to the telephone line to place
or answer calls. Some lifters-such as the Touch-N-Talk-function manually
when you press a lever.

Loop Wiring

(also Series or Ring Wiring) - A wiring
topology that connects one phone to the next in sequence. Loop topology
differs from other topologies in that the series ends where it begins,
completing a circuit.

(MPEG-1 audio layer-3) A
standard created by the Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG) that compresses
audio files by about one-twelfth of the original file size, making MP3 files
more easily accessible over the internet and reducing the memory required to
store files. To reduce the size of files, MP3 uses an algorithm that
eliminates sounds that are not ordinarily perceived by the human ear. MP3 is
a controversial technology. Record companies and recording artists argue
that the ease with which MP3 files are stored and shared encourages the
violation of copyrights.

MPEG

(Moving Pictures Experts
Group) MPEG is an organization that creates standards for digital
compression of audio and video. The collection of MPEG standards is
constantly evolving. Perhaps the best known, and most controversial, of MPEG
formats is MP3 (MPEG-1 audio layer-3), which is used to record and store
music files.

(Mb) - 1) In terms of data transfer, one
megabit per second (Mbps) refers to 1,000,000 bits of information
transferred per second. 2) In relation to data storage, one megabit is
exactly equal to 1,048,576 bits of stored data.

Megahertz

(MHz) - 1) In radio frequency (RF)
transmissions, MHz is used to describe 1,000,000 cycles per second, or
1,000,000 Hertz. 2) In computing contexts, MHz describes 1,000,000
oscillations per second of the computer's processor.

Mic boom

This component of a headset extends
forward from the earpiece to position the microphone near your mouth. Many
booms are set on a pivot mount, so they can be rotated down when you're
talking on the phone, and back up, out of the way when you're not. Several
different types of booms are used on today's headsets. A fixed boom is
rod-like, solid and stationary. A telescoping boom slides out for use, and
back into itself for compact storage, much like a radio antenna. A flexible
boom can be twisted and bent to position the microphone precisely. A
good-quality flexible boom will hold its position over time.

Microsite

A small web site, usually hosted on a
larger site’s server, that has a different address (or URL) from the site’s
home page and is generally related to, but not part of, the primary site.
Microsites (also called minisites) are the form frequently taken by
online promotions, marketing partnerships, or special interests related to a
primary web site.

Modem

(Modulator/Demodulator)
- Originally, a device that converted (modulated) the "1" and "0" values of
a binary signal into a signal that could be carried by an analog telephone
network. At the other end, a different modem converted (demodulated) the
analog signal back into digital. The term "modem" is now used to describe
the appliance that provides a computer with a connection to the internet.

Monaural

A headset that is configured with 1
speaker, and designed to be worn on either the right or left ear. This
design permits interaction between the headset user and other people in the
vicinity, while the user is simultaneously engaged in a phone conversation.

Multimedia

The integration of several different
types of media—text, graphics, animation, audio, or video—into a single
presentation. A computer’s ability to handle all of these different forms of
media makes it a true multimedia device. Single-medium formats include
print, photography, and radio.

Multiplexing

A method for sending multiple signals
using a single pathway, whether in a wired medium, such as packet-switched
data transmission, or in wireless communications. There are several
techniques used to share bandwidth resources. The most common are Code
Division Multiple Access (CDMA) in wireless phones, Time Division
Multiplexing (TDM) for data transmission, and Frequency Division
Multiplexing (FDM) in analog systems.

Music-on-Hold

A system that provides music,
advertisement, or other audible information to callers when they are placed
on hold.

In telecommunications contexts, a network
is a series of connected voice, data, or media devices. This applies to all
forms of networks, from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to the
Local Area Network (LAN), the Wide Area Network (WAN), cable TV, and
wireless telephones. While the mediums, capabilities, and intentions of
these networks may vary, the purpose of connecting the various end points
remains the same. Networks are the basis of virtually all modern
telecommunications.

Network Interface

Any device that permits connection to an
external network. In telephony, a network interface is generally a locked
box on the exterior of a residence in which connections may be established
to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). In the context of a Local
Area Network (LAN), a network interface is generally a device, such as a
gateway, that serves as an interface to the external network for all devices
on the LAN.

NiCd

(Nickel Cadmium)
Battery - The predominant standard among the several rechargeable battery
types. NiCd batteries are used to supply power to cellular and cordless
phones, portable computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other
small battery-powered devices.

NiMH

(Nickel-Metal
Hydride) Battery - A type of rechargeable battery. NiMH
batteries provide greater storage capacity and longer service life than the
more common NiCd batteries.

Noise Cancellation

A function of some headset microphones
that suppresses background noise for clearer voice transmission.

This refers to an open phone line. The
term originated with early phones in plain old telephone service (POTS). The
receiver of the telephone (handset) was lifted from a hook (now more
commonly called the hook switch) in order to signal the central office (CO)
for an open line.

Offline

The condition of being disconnected from
a device or network. Offline applies to the intentional disconnection from
the device or network, as well as the disconnection that follows a system
fault or failure.

Online indicator

(See also, in-use light, busy indicator
or busy light.) This accessory makes it very easy for people to tell when
you're on a call-even when you're using a discreet headset. It lights up, so
they can see at a glance that you're busy. It's a simple way to prevent
interruptions, and it's helpful for the folks who monitor group phone
activity. The indicator works whenever you're on the phone, with or without
a headset.

Operator Services

A group of telephone services provided by
a phone company’s live operator. Common operator services include: directory
assistance, assisted collect calls, assisted 3-way calling, and emergency
line intercept (allows the operator to reach someone by interrupting a call
in progress).

Optical Cable

Also known as fiber-optic cable, optical
cable is a telecommunications cable that uses visible light pulses over
glass or plastic fibers as the transmission medium. Optical cable transports
considerably more data than standard copper cable does. It is lighter in
weight, and is resistant to electromagnetic and radio interference.

(Private Automatic
Branch Exchange) - Differs from a PBX in
that a PBX may require a live operator. Since most PBX systems are now
automatic, the term is virtually synonymous with PBX and is not often used.

PBX

(Private Branch
Exchange) - The main switching unit in a multi-line digital
phone system. The PBX routes calls to voice mail, manages Direct Inward Dial
(DID), station-to-station calling, transferring, internal and external
conferencing, voice mail, music-on-hold (when applicable) and other
manufacturer-specific functions. PBX systems are usually digital systems
designed for a large number of users, although there are exceptions.

PCM

(Pulse Code
Modulation) - The technology used to convert analog signals
to digital coding and back again (demodulation). PCM breaks an analog signal
into quantified bits based on a consistent unit of time and transmits them
to the receiver. PCM is used in many cordless devices (cordless phones, for
instance), in dial-up modems and on T-Carrier phone lines.

PCMCIA

(Personal Computer Memory
Card International Association) An international
organization of companies founded to create interoperability standards for
small devices called PCMCIA cards, now more commonly referred to as PC
cards. PC cards are small credit-card sized devices used for a variety of
applications. Common examples include laptop modems, RAM memory cards, and
portable disk drives.

(Personal Digital Assistant)
- A portable, handheld device that is used to store and retrieve data.
Common uses of PDAs include building address books, taking notes, and
scheduling activities in a calendar. Newer applications include wireless
networking for information sharing between PDAs, wireless telephony
(combination PDA and wireless phone), and file sharing with a desktop or
notebook computer.

POP

(Post Office Protocol)
- A standard internet protocol for retrieving e-mail from an e-mail server.
The original version of POP was POP2, but recently POP3 has become
prominent. POP is usually used in conjunction with Simple Mail Transfer
Protocol (SMTP), which is the protocol that delivers messages to an e-mail
server. POP periodically checks an e-mail server and forwards all new
messages to the inbox. A newer protocol, called IMAP4, is also used to
retrieve e-mail. IMAP4 has more features than POP3, but POP3 is still the
primary message retrieval protocol.

POTS

(Plain Old
Telephone Service) - The basic telephone
service and equipment provided by the phone company.

PSTN

(Public Switched
Telephone Network) - The worldwide voice
network that has evolved since the advent of the telegraph. Due to its
ubiquity, the PSTN has been turned to other uses. Although originally analog
in nature, the PSTN has transformed into primarily a digital carrier. As a
result, it has been able to increase capacity and serve as the
infrastructure for virtually all telecommunications, including the internet.

Packet

A small unit of digital data that is
transferred within or between networks. On the internet, packets are created
by use of the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and sent from one location
to another via Internet Protocol (IP).

Packet-Switching

Packet-switching permits the transfer of
data that is broken into small data packets by Transmission Control Protocol
(TCP). Each data packet is sent individually and even along different routes
to a specified Internet Protocol (IP) address where it is reassembled. This
permits the same pathways to be used by multiple users simultaneously. In
contrast, circuit-switching, the method used in Plain Old Telephone Service
(POTS), requires a dedicated connection for the duration of data transfer.

Pager Notification

A function of some telephones and systems
that sends a message to a numeric or text pager to notify users of a
received call or fax.

Parallel

A form of data processing that handles
multiple data streams and/or processes simultaneously. Parallel processing
is used for some peripheral devices, most notably in printers. Parallel
processing contrasts with serial processing, which indicates a number of
single processes occurring in a series.

Peripheral

Any device that is used with, but is not
actually part of, a primary computing device. For example, printers, mice,
CD-ROMs, and keyboards are all considered peripheral devices to a computer.

Position

On a telephone plug, the number of spaces
available for copper conductors are known as positions. A standard telephone
wall jack, for instance, has 6 positions available and may have 2, 4, or 6
conductors, depending on the number of lines and applications it is being
used to support.

Protocol

A set of programmed rules for
communicating data between two or more devices. There are protocols used for
virtually every telecommunication device. For example, internet connections
rely on TCP/IP protocols and the attendant Hypertext Transfer Protocol
(HTTP); e-mail is sent by use of Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).

Pulse Dial

Also known as loop disconnect dialing,
this method of dialing was prevalent before the 1970s. The most common
example is the rotary telephone. A user would dial from the designated
number position and the telephone would successively “pulse” the number(s)
selected, instructing the Central Office (CO) how to connect. Pulse dialing
has been all but superseded by DTMF or touch-tone technology.

Punchdown Block

Also known as a 'terminal block,' a
punchdown block is the point where all the wires that carry voice and data
in an on-premises network are brought together before connecting them to the
trunk (phone company carrier) lines of the Public Switched Telephone Network
(PSTN). The punchdown block is normally placed near the point of
demarcation—where the public phone lines physically cross into your home
or office.

An abbreviation for quick disconnect, a
headset feature that allows the user to unplug his or her headset from the
amplifier and step away from the phone without removing his headset or
disconnecting the call.

QoS

(Quality of
Service) - A description of sound, video, or data
transmission quality in a network or communications channel. QoS is a
quantitative measure used as a baseline to predict the performance of a
given network or channel.

Queue

To line up in sequence. Or, in call
center contexts, queue refers to the people waiting to speak to an agent.
Queue also refers to the individual bank of phone calls that are connected
to specific agent groups (billing, service, sales, support, etc.).

Quick disconnect

A small inline connector in the headset
cord that can be unplugged when the user wants to step away from the phone
without removing his or her headset or disconnecting the call. Some headsets
use standard 3.5 mm connectors (like those on stereo headphones or mics).

(Ringer Equivalency
Number) - A number representative of the maximum voltage
that can be carried by a single Central Office (CO) phone line. In most
cases, the CO offers a maximum REN of 5. The amount of REN required by an
individual analog telephone is usually listed on the bottom of the phone. If
REN is exceeded it will result in the loss of ring capability in certain
phones.

RFI

(Radio Frequency
Interference) - The proximity of a strong radio signal or
the convergence of many radio signals in a single environment generally
causes RFI. Common symptoms of RFI include garbled or dropped calls in
cordless environments. In corded telephones, RFI can be heard over the
handset. Nearby radio stations, CB and 2-way radios will occasionally bleed
into a phone line. The presence of old or improperly wired phone cables or
the use of exceptionally long telephone wires are the common reasons for RFI
on corded phones.

A device that is installed inline with a
telephone in order to record the conversation. By law, recording a phone
call requires you to notify your caller that you intend to record the call.
However, legal requirements are frequently satisfied by the use of a
periodic, audible signal (usually a beep) while the call is in progress.

Remote answering

This feature allows you to answer calls
with your cordless headset without returning to your desk to lift your
phone's handset off-hook. Typically, this capability is not built into the
headset system. Rather, it's an upgrade made available by an accessory
product, such as the Hello Direct ReadiLine or the GN Netcom ReadiLine, that
lifts the handset automatically when you activate your headset.

Rollover Service

(also Hunting Service) - A service
provided by the phone company that automatically attempts to ring
predetermined secondary lines in sequence if the dialed line is found busy.
For example, if a user has 4 lines and the first line is in use, rollover
will route the call to line 2. If line 2 is also busy, the call will be
routed to line 3 and so forth. Businesses that wish to publish only 1 phone
number will generally employ this service.

Rotary Dial

(see Pulse Dial) - A virtually obsolete
method of dialing using a circular telephone dial which sends a measured
pulse to the Central Office (CO) to indicate the destination telephone
number being dialed.

Router

A device or program that determines the
pathway that a data packet will take en route to delivery at its destination
device. Routers are specific to network-to-network connections and are often
packaged as part of a network switch

(Symmetric Digital Subscriber
Line) A version of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), SDSL provides
identical upload and download speeds to and from the internet. SDSL is
typically used by enterprises that transmit data in both directions, usually
between multiple sites.

SIM Card

(Subscriber Identity Module)
A SIM card is used in GSM mobile phones to identify the user for billing and
other services.

SMTP

(Simple Mail
Transfer Protocol) - The prevalent
protocol for the transmission of e-mail on a TCP/IP network. SMTP cannot
deliver e-mail directly to an inbox, so it is relied upon only to deliver
e-mail to a server. A version of Post Office Protocol (POP) generally
handles retrieving e-mail from a server.

SOHO

(Small Office Home
Office) - A term used to characterize a business run from one’s home,
or any business environment with relatively few employees.

Serial

A form of data processing that handles
data one bit at a time, in a series. Serial processing is common to many
computer peripheral devices such as keyboards and mice. Serial processing
contrasts with parallel processing, which describes multiple processes
happening simultaneously.

Server

A server is a computer program that
provides on-demand resources to other computers. Also, the term server is
used to describe the computer that houses the server program.

Signal compression

A technique for transmitting signals in a
format that requires less bandwidth than usual.

Slamming

The practice of switching long-distance
carriers without a customer’s permission or knowledge. This frequently
occurs during promotional giveaways in which the fine print contains the
only mention of the long-distance provider change, or in other service
agreements that may or may not be directly related to long-distance service.

Sound Card

A computer peripheral device for audio
input and output. Sound cards contain the software necessary for audio
processing and at least 2 jacks, one for a speaker output and the other for
microphone input.

A telephone that uses a loudspeaker and
an external microphone in addition to, or instead of, a traditional
telephone handset. Speakerphones are excellent for simple hands-free
conversations by an individual user. More advanced speakerphones, called
teleconferencers, may be simultaneously used by dozens of people.

Speech Recognition

A software application that understands
speech as a means of data input, executes verbal commands, or converts
speech into text. Most speech recognition programs are able to understand a
limited vocabulary and must be 'trained' over a period of time for uncommon
terms, phrases, the user’s accent, and vocal inflection. In time, speech
recognition is expected to become a much more common computer interface,
gradually replacing manual methods (keyboard, mouse, etc.).

Spread Spectrum

A radio technology that sends radio
signals over multiple channels, changing the transmission and receipt
frequency at programmed intervals. This type of spread spectrum is known as
frequency-hopping spread spectrum and is the prevalent method used in
cordless telephones.

Streaming

The real-time transmission of sound,
data, or video on the internet. Streaming media is sent as a steady,
compressed stream of data that is played as it is received. Streaming media
is becoming increasingly useful as a means of obtaining sound and video
without time-consuming downloads, and for point-to-point videoconferencing.

Stutter Dialtone

A service provided by many phone
companies that lets the user know when a message has been left in voice
mail. The broken (stutter) tone is heard when you first pick up the handset,
and usually lasts for a few seconds before the standard dialtone is
restored.

Switch

A network device that determines the
pathways for a given signal or for data. 1) In telephony, the Public
Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) provides circuit-switching based on the
data provided by the telephone number dialed and keeps a dedicated
connection on that call for the duration of the transmission. 2) IP-based
transmissions use packet-switching. This type of switch sends small data
packets to their destination over numerous pathways, where they are
reassembled.

A digital medium originally introduced to
expand the capabilities of the Bell networks’ analog telephone network. T1
lines are very commonly leased to internet service providers (ISPs) or to
businesses because of their capacity of 1.544 Mbps (the equivalent of 24
standard phone lines). T2 lines are capable of carrying 6.312 Mbps (96
standard lines) and T3, 44.736 Mbps (672 lines). Many small enterprises that
do not require the full capacity of a T1 are able to lease partial T1
connections to suit their business needs.

T1

(also see T-Carrier) - A digital phone
line used to carry the capacity of 24 standard telephone lines. Since it is
digital and serves numerous analog applications, a T1 line employs a version
of Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) and Time Division Multiplexing (TDM).

TAD

(Telephone Answering
Device) - Another term that describes an answering machine.
A TAD may be tape-driven or, more commonly, driven by a digital chip.

TCP/IP

(Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol)
- The underlying protocol for the internet. There are 2 layers to the
protocol: TCP, which separates data into packets for transmission; and IP,
which locates and directs the packets to their destination, or IP address.
Once received, packets are reassembled by TCP. TCP/IP is used with other
protocols on the internet, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), File
Transfer Protocol (FTP) and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).

TDMA

(Time Division
Multiple Access) - A form of multiplexing
used in wireless communications that divides a radio signal into separate
time slots so that multiple signals may be sent on the same frequency. The
time divisions are very small, and inaudible to users.

TTY/TDD

(TeleTYpewriter/Telecommunications
Device for the Deaf) - Solutions provided to assist hearing-
or speech-impaired users to communicate on a voice telecommunications
network. TTY/TDD solutions require a teletype display. The TTY user types in
his or her message to a live operator who vocally relays the typed message
to the person being called. Vocal responses are typed by the relay operator
and sent back to the original person on the TTY device.

Telecommunications

A general term used to describe any form
of data transmission over a medium. Telecommunications (or telecom) includes
voice, video, and text over the media of copper wire, radio frequency, cable
or optical networks.

Telecommute

The use of telecommunications to permit
employees to work from outside the office, usually at home. The term 'telework'
is now used as often to describe remote working.

Teleconferencing

Teleconferencing includes any technology
that allows multiple users to conference simultaneously across town or
worldwide using a telephone or network connection. Teleconferencing
encompasses voice, video, and data sharing.

Telephony

A term used to describe the technologies
of transmitting voice over electronic media. Telephony is a subset of
telecommunications.

Telnet

The TCP/IP standard that permits users
outside a private network to access the network as if they were directly
connected to it, treating the remote user as a virtual terminal.

Traffic

In telecommunications contexts, the total
amount of data being moved on a network in a given time period.

Transmission

Sending a signal by wire or radio.

Triplex Adapter

A jack accessory that provides 3 ports: 1
port to connect line 1 or line 2 individually, and a third port that
supports both lines.

Trunk Line

A communication line between 2 switching
systems. For example, the communications channel between the Central Office
(CO) and a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) switch, or the channel between a
Local Area Network (LAN) and a T1 carrier line.

Twisted-Pair Cable

Twisted-pair cable consists of at least 1
pair of copper wires. In order to reduce the occurrence of external
interference, the copper wires are insulated and wound around each other.
Twisted-pair cables are used for home connections to the telephone company
(voice and data) as well as for many Local Area Network (LAN) connections as
a low-cost alternative to coaxial or fiber-optic cable.

(Ultra High
Frequency) - A range in the radio spectrum that covers the
frequencies between 300 MHz (megahertz) and 3 GHz (3 gigahertz or 3000 MHz).
UHF is currently applied to television, cellular telephony, 2-way radios,
satellite communications, and paging services.

URL

(Uniform Resource
Locator) - The address of a file (resource) available on
the internet. A URL always identifies the protocol (HTTP, FTP) and the IP
address of the requested resource.

USB

(Universal Serial
Bus) - A plug and jack standard that significantly
simplifies the installation of computer peripheral devices. USB supports up
to 12 Mbps data transmission, so it is suitable for virtually all peripheral
devices (mouse, keyboard, game controllers, printers, scanners, etc.). USB
is expected to become the de facto standard for peripheral devices.

Unified Messaging

Unified messaging provides a single
mailbox to handle e-mail, fax, and voice messages. Users can check e-mail
over the phone (a computer-generated voice reads the message to you) or
voice messages by e-mail (in the form of audio attachments). Faxes can be
printed from a PC.

The most common network interface
standard approved by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The
V.35 standard provides direct interoperability between digital voice and
data lines on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and an onsite
digital voice and data network.

VOX

This is a symbol for voice-activated
operation. On 2-way radios, a VOX setting eliminates the need to press a
push-to-talk button in order to transmit. Similarly, on digital or tape
recorders, the VOX setting activates the recorder whenever sound above a
certain threshold is sensed.

VPN

(Virtual Private
Network) - A private, secure network that uses public
infrastructure to connect users over a wide area. A VPN remains secure
through a combination of encryption, authorizations, and other security
measures.

Video-

conferencing

A subset of teleconferencing that
includes a video element. Videoconferencing has transitioned from relatively
crude frame-by-frame video to fluid, real-time transmission. The more
realistic videoconferencing systems require T1, DSL, cable, or another
high-speed, large-bandwidth medium.

VoIP

(Voice over
Internet Protocol) - A software/hardware
combination that uses the packet-switching methods of the internet and other
digital data communications to establish voice communications. Because the
call is carried on the internet, VoIP does not incur long-distance toll
charges.

Voice Mail

A service provided by the telephone
company that records and saves messages left by your callers when you do not
answer.

(Wide Area
Network) - A computer network that covers a dispersed
geographical area. Because of the physical distance between users, a WAN
frequently makes use of public infrastructure to connect the various end
points (nodes).

WAP

(Wireless Application
Protocol) - An attempt at an industry standard for wireless
data communication. WAP is currently used in the United States for a number
of wireless data devices, but it is just one of several competing standards.

WLAN

(Wireless Local Area
Network) A local telecommunications network that uses high-frequency
radio waves instead of wired connections as the channel between devices.

WML

(Wireless Markup Language)
A language developed for Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) that provides
text versions of web sites to wireless devices such as mobile telephones and
PDAs.

Wav

The file name extension given to Wave
audio files. This standard PC audio file format is used for everything from
system and game sounds to CD-quality audio.

Wi-Fi

(Wireless Fidelity) Another
name for the IEEE 802.11b wireless LAN standard.

Wireless

1) A term used to describe cellular
phones, wireless modems, and other devices that operate on radio frequency (RF).
2) The general term used for all onsite RF communications and networking,
whether based on data, voice, or multimedia.

Wireless Amplifier

A cordless amplifier that transmits and
receives radio signals to its base unit, which is connected to your phone.
Unlike a conventional headset amplifier (which remains stationary on your
desk), you attach a wireless amplifier to your clothing to carry along with
you. It's not a completely cordless headset system, as you need a corded
headset to plug into the wireless amplifier.

A cable characterized by 1 connection to
an input jack that accommodates 2 output jacks, resembling the letter “Y”
when extended. A Y-cable is often referred to as a “splitter.” Y-cables for
headsets come in 2 varieties: conferencing cables that allow both users to
hear and speak over their headsets, and training (observation) cables that
permit both users to listen, but only one to speak.